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PCC's concerns over 'low' staff morale at Sussex Police

Published
by
Ryan Burrows at 2:04pm 15th March 2019.
(Updated at 2:05pm 15th March 2019)

Features contributions from Karen Dunn, Local Democracy Reporter

Sussex's police chief is seeking assurances from senior figures after a new report showed morale within the force was low.

Almost 90 per cent of officers agreed with that sentiment, according to figures from a Police Federation survey.

And almost four out of five have faced mental wellbeing issues such as anxiety over the last 12 months.

The federation, one of the largest staff associations in the UK, represents more than 119,000 constables, sergeants and inspectors and has been running for 100 years.

Its survey revealed that three-quarters of Sussex staff said their workload was too high or much too high, while four out of five said there were not enough officers to do the job properly.

Those views were certainly reflected in the number of staff, officers and PCSOs employed by Sussex Police.

At a meeting with Adur and Worthing councillors earlier this month, Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said there were 5,102 full time equivalent staff on the books at the end of March 2013, and 4,526 at the end of 2017/18.

She added that some 150 staff left the force every year.

Ms Bourne said she would be seeking clarification on the results and assurances that the extra resources from the rise in this year’s precept will see an alleviation of some of the strain placed on existing officers and staff at a meeting with senior officers on Friday.

“This survey only highlights even further the increasingly difficult job police officers have in keeping us all safe.

"We are living in an ever-changing landscape of sophisticated digital criminality, organised crime groups and external security threats and often this is the policing response that goes unseen by the public.

"I know that the Force have, in recent years, introduced a significant number of schemes and support mechanisms so officers and staff get the help they need but still more could be done.

"I am seeking assurances that appropriate investment will be made in what they need to support them in their role. After all, these are men and women who put themselves in dangerous and sometimes life threatening situations that many of us would run away from."

Work is in place to address the issue, with more than 200 recruitments since last April and plans for up to 800 by 2022.

The pressures placed on the current staff came through loud and clear in the survey, with sizeable rises in the percentage saying they were pressured to work long hours, and faced unrealistic time pressures and deadlines.

Worryingly, when it came to staff’s mental wellbeing, Sussex Police scored below the national average in almost all areas.

Little wonder given 19 per cent reported that they had suffered one or more injuries as a result of work-related violence in the last year.

Almost two-thirds said they rarely or never felt relaxed, while just over one-third said they rarely or never felt optimistic about the future.

"As an organisation we are aware how demanding a role in the police force can be and our officers are frequently asked to put themselves in situations that most people would shy away from.

"We, like many others working in blue light services, are very good at caring for others but have, in the past, forgotten to care for our own staff in the way we should.

"In recent years we have introduced a significant number of schemes and support mechanisms so our officers and staff can get the support and guidance they need.

"These include a mental health advocacy scheme, the creation of a dedicated mobile application for officers and staff support roles, as well as committing to the Blue Light Pledge."

Assistant Chief Constable Nick May, Sussex Police

Looking at the national picture, Ché Donald, the federation’s national vice-chairman, said the results should be ‘a huge red flag to the government, chief constables and the public’.

He added:

"Officers are stressed, exhausted and consistently exposed to things people should never have to see – and these results show just how much it is taking its toll.

"We believe the steps we have put in place will provide the support our officers need and we have made great strides in improving our care for those working in the force who are suffering from mental health issues."

Other topics being discussed at the PCC's monthly performance and accountability meeting include what police are doing to reassure communities in the wake of a recent string of knife attacks, serious and organised crime, the force's response to domestic abuse, and their budget for 2018/19.